Naturally occurring apigenin facilitates the death of cancer cells

Resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy is the leading cause of death among cancer patients.

Now a study  reports that ingesting apigenin – a naturally occurring dietary agent found in vegetables and fruit – improves cancer cells’ response to chemotherapy.

It has been found in the study that apigenin localizes tumor suppressor p53, a protein, in the cell nucleus. This step is a necessary step for killing the cell that results in some tumor cells responding to chemotherapy.

TOI reported as

The study, published this week in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a novel approach to conquer tumor resistance to chemotherapy, and suggests an avenue for developing safe chemotherapy via naturally occurring agents.

In normal condition, the cells have low levels of p53 diffused in their cytoplasm and nucleus. On damage of DNA in the nucleus, p53 moves to the nucleus where it activates genes that stop cell growth and cause cell death.

p53 ensures that cells with damaged DNA are killed.

Apigenin is able to activate p53 and transport it into the nucleus, resulting in a stop to cell growth and cell death.

Apigenin is mainly found in fruits (including apples, cherries, grapes), vegetables (including parsley, artichoke, basil, celery), nuts and plant-derived beverages (including tea and wine).

Its growth inhibitory properties have been found in several cancer lines, including breast, colon, skin, thyroid and leukemia cells. It has also been shown to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.

The study advocates the inclusion of vegetables and fruit in our daily diet to help prevent cancer.